Just imagine the impact that believers could have on the character of our elected leaders, the direction of our government, and the moral climate of our state and nation if we simply applied biblical principles to every aspect of our lives including matters of law and public policy. If we did, America would be a different nation and a better one.
The more distressing reality is that many North Carolinians of faith fail to incorporate their biblical values into their voting decisions. Selecting godly leaders is rooted in biblical principle and that process begins with registering to vote.
“Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.” Exodus 18:21
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2
NC Values is pleased to provide the Pledge to Vote NC initiative and the accompanying Church Toolkit to:
- Equip you and your church to help people register to vote
- Inform you and your church about candidates’ positions on Biblical values issues
- Promote awareness of the immediate and long‐term importance of values‐based voting
- Encourage Christians to exercise their civic responsibility to vote
Please use the Church Toolkit to do the following in your church:
- Conduct a voter registration drive (Email [email protected] if you would like to schedule for us to assist in person for this effort).
- Organize a “Pledge to Vote” Action Committee of volunteers to conduct the voter registration drive each Sunday until October 11th, when voter registration ends. We can send a representative to train them.
- Make announcements from the pulpit about voter registration taking place in the church every Sunday before the October 11th voter registration deadline.
- On Pledge to Vote Sunday—October 27th—place special emphasis on voting. Preach a sermon and teach Sunday School lessons on the importance of living out Christian values by exercising our obligation to vote our Biblical values.
- Use the Bulletin Insert and PowerPoint Slide during Sunday services.
- We have iVoterGuide resources for your congregation to be able to research and view candidate surveys.
- We also have select candidate endorsements and produce a legislative scorecard to help individuals find candidates who share their values.
We have these other resources for you to reference:
- Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has provided two great resources specifically for Pastors that can be found on our webpage
- A Legal Guide for Churches navigating religious freedom issues
- Protecting Your Ministry – 10 Best Practices to Prepare Your Ministry for Religious Freedom Legal Challenges
Jesus instructed His followers to be “salt and light” in their culture (Matt. 5:13‐16) and to participate in government (Matt. 22:21). Today, we can carry out Jesus’ commands by registering to vote, voting according to His values, and praying for our nation. The voting decisions your congregation will make this year will have profound implications for North Carolina and America for years to come.